HOT ON THE
HillWinter 2015
There’s a New PM in the House
On October 19, 2015, over 17 million Canadians cast their The CFNU compiled the Liberal’s health platform on the ballots in the country’s 42nd federal election, making four issues that we highlighted during the election, and we for the highest voter turnout since 1993. Canadians will be monitoring their progress on these issues over the overwhelmingly elected Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and coming months: the Liberal Party of Canada on a platform of change, with nearly 40 per cent of the popular vote. 1. National Prescription Drug Program The Liberal Party promised to return to the table with During the election campaign, the Canadian Federation the provinces to negotiate a new Health Accord. Their of Nurses Unions (CFNU) highlighted four key areas that priorities for a new Health Accord include improving needed to be addressed: a safe seniors’ strategy, a national access and reducing costs to prescription drugs. prescription drug program, developing a health human resources plan, and committing to a strong publicly- 2. Safe Seniors’ Strategy funded health care system. The Liberals put much of their focus on seniors, committing to $3 billion in funding for home care over the next four years. Further, they committed to $20 billion in social infrastructure with a priority on investing in seniors facilities, including long-term care.
3. Defending Public Funding and Delivery of Health Care The Liberals promised to return to the table with the provinces and develop a new Health Accord. They also expressed their belief that every Canadian deserves access to timely publicly-funded health care.
4. National Health Human Resources Plan The Liberal plan did not release details of an HHR strategy.
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What’s Next?
The CFNU welcomes the Liberal commitment to convening “A new Health Accord will help establish the parameters of a First Ministers’ Meeting on forging a new Health Accord an evolving health system, and the renewal of our public with provinces and territories, including a new long-term health care system is something that frontline nurses want agreement on funding. to see come out of the negotiations,” said Silas.
“On behalf of the nearly 200,000 nurses the CFNU The CFNU will attend a national Health Ministers Meeting represents across Canada, I welcome the Liberal with the provinces scheduled in the New Year, and government’s commitment to forging a new Health Accord Canada’s Nurses will continue to work with elected with the provinces and territories,” said Linda Silas, CFNU representatives at all levels of government to ensure that President. “While the Harper government is now history, we are able to provide quality, safe patient care to all the Conservative legacy of neglect towards our health Canadians. care system remains, and Canadians expect federal and provincial governments to work together on these Also this month, CFNU president Linda Silas will join the critical issue.” Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) for a meeting with new Minister of International Trade, Chrystia Freeland, The CFNU has called a meeting of health care stakeholders to discuss concerns with the Trans-Pacific Partnership later this month to be ready and united in advance of the Agreement (TPP). First Ministers’ Meeting on a new Health Accord.
After nearly a decade of federal neglect, we look forward to “a positive working relationship with the federal government on a number of key issues that are critical to enhancing and protecting our universal public health care system.
Trudeau Addresses Canada’s Labour Leaders On November 10, 2015, Prime Minister Trudeau addressed” a national meeting of Canadian Council labour leaders from across the country, including CFNU President Linda Silas and Secretary Treasurer Pauline Worsfold. Trudeau is the first sitting Prime Minister in 50 years to address the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), signaling the onset of a new era in relations between the labour movement and the federal government.
“Canada’s Nurses are very pleased to hear a strong message of collaboration for the betterment of all Canadians from this government,” said CFNU President Linda Silas. “After nearly a decade of federal neglect, we look forward to a positive working relationship with the federal government on a number of key issues that are critical to enhancing and protecting our universal, public health care system.”
In his address to labour leaders, Trudeau spoke about the middle class, gender equality, and received a standing ovation for recommitting to repeal anti-union Bills C-377 and C-525. PAGE THREE Bills C-377 and C-525 Update Revoking Unconstitutional Legislation
Under almost ten years of rule by the Harper Fortunately, on October 19, 2015, Canadians voted for a Conservatives, hard-won workers’ rights have been under new federal government, one that had explicitly promised consistent attack. Since the 2011 election we have had to overturn these ill-advised federal bills. Toward fulfilling conservative majorities in both the House of Commons this promise, on November 13, 2015, Prime Minister Trudeau and the Senate. This has allowed for an increased level of published thirty ministerial mandate letters which outline attacks on organized labour in Canada. the key commitments of the government and direction for each department and minister. In the mandate given to Most of the struggle has focused on two pieces of the new Minister of Employment, Workforce Development legislation which were pushed through during the last and Labour, MaryAnne Mihychuk, both of these acts parliament. Bill C-377 and Bill C-525 are controversial were slated to be revoked. Specifically, the minister was acts which each undercut fundamental rights in both the directed to “restore a fair and balanced approach to Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Constitution organized labour by repealing Bills C-377 and C-525 and of Canada, not to mention violating many international implementing a modern Fair Wages Policy.” covenants on workers’ rights. By undermining the right to refuse dangerous work, privacy laws, provincial The CFNU and other unions are very encouraged by constitutional rights, freedom of association and more, these assertions and will be following up with the the past federal government had set-up in motion a minister and the new federal government to ensure protracted period of constitutional and charter challenges, that these commitments are kept. Beyond signaling this which would have stretched for years in expensive legal new approach with labour, it will be important to have wrangling. legislation and programs that substantively improve the lives of working people in Canada, with big improvements possible in areas related to public health care.
42nd Speech from the Throne Making Real Change Happen
On December 4, 2015, Governor General David Johnston delivered the Speech from the Throne to open the first session of the 42nd Parliament of Canada. Keeping things brief – the Throne Speech outlines the new government’s plans for ‘Making Real Change Happen.’
There were five key themes shared with Parliament:
1. Growth for the Middle Class; 2. Open and Transparent Government; 3. A Clean Environment and a Strong Economy; 4. Diversity is Canada’s Strength; and 5. Security and Opportunity.
The government shared their belief that all Canadians should have a real and fair chance to succeed, and central to that success is a strong and growing middle class. The government reiterated campaign commitments such as the new Canada Child Benefit, Canada Pension Plan, investments in public transit, green infrastructure and social infrastructure, and making post-secondary education more affordable. They also outlined working with the provinces and territories to support the health and well-being of all Canadians by working together on a new Health Accord. PAGE FOUR Trade Deals Have Major Negative Impact on Health Care
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a trade agreement this is money that will be lost every year, with no added negotiated on October 5, 2015, in the midst of the last benefit to patients. The only beneficiary are the large federal election. It comes on the heels of another massive drug companies which already are the most profitable trade agreement signed by the Harper government, the corporations on the planet. Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Canadians already pay the second highest drug costs in the world, and the provisions in these trade deals that Since the TPP was announced during the election, it will keep cheaper generic drugs off the market longer has become a very contentious issue, and it is unclear mean Canadians will pay even more. On every level this how the new government is going to handle a deal makes no sense and is unconscionable, especially when negotiated and signed by the Harper Conservatives. Both you consider that over half the TPP countries are the TPP and CETA need to be ratified by all signatory less-developed, and higher drug costs will leave even governments before they come into effect, so it still may more patients suffering and dying without access to well occur that both deals unravel. essential medicines. This is the reason MSF launched a campaign against the TPP, and the CFNU shares these Already there are serious concerns being raised in the concerns. various TPP countries and by respected groups like Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders During the election, the Liberal government promised (MSF). For the CFNU, a key reason to be very concerned ‘a full and open public debate in Parliament to about this trade deal is that governments already admit ensure Canadians are consulted on this historic it will greatly increase the cost of prescription drugs in trade agreement.’ There is still hope that these trade Canada. These added costs will greatly impact access to agreements do not come into force. The Europeans medicines and overall health care costs, both of which have grave concerns about the rights in CETA that allow will have adverse outcomes for patients. foreign corporations to sue governments directly, these are shared by many groups around the globe. As the Looking at the CETA details which have been public debate on these trade agreements continues, the CFNU longer, researchers have been able to estimate that will be voicing our concerns about the negative impacts the increased drug costs to Canadians are between to our universal, public health care system. $850 million and $1.645 billion annually. The TPP is not as far-reaching but unpublished estimates are that While the federal government has promised to the TPP would add more than $600 million to annual compensate the provinces for added drug costs, we prescription drug costs. If these deals come into effect, think this money is better spent directly on health care. Any compensation also will not address out-of-pocket increases for individuals or raised costs for private insurance plans.
The CFNU is working with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives to also look at how the TPP impacts other aspects of health care in Canada. Will it harm our ability to regulate or expand public health care in Canada? Does it block expansion of our health care system to include pharmacare, long-term care, etc.? There are many questions that remain regarding the impact of these trade deals. As our government looks at whether to sign this agreement, we will be bringing forward our concerns, both for patients here in Canada, and for the millions more that will be impacted in poorer countries.
On December 9, 2015, CFNU president Linda Silas will join the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) for a meeting with new Minister of International Trade, Chrystia Freeland, to discuss concerns with the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) and what it will mean for our health care system. PAGE FIVE Meet the New Health Minister Philpott Handed Health Portfolio
On November 4, 2015, Prime Minister Trudeau named Dr. Jane Philpott Canada’s new health minister.
The 54-year-old physician and mother of four represents I think health-care providers the Toronto-area riding of Markham-Stouffville. “ do bring a special perspective Minister Philpott worked in Niger Republic, West Africa from 1989 to 1998, where she practiced general medicine to the role, and obviously and helped to develop a training program for village health workers. She returned to Canada in 1998, joining the Markham Stouffville Hospital as a family physician, having been involved in and served as Chief of the Department of Family Medicine from 2008 to 2014. She is the founder of Give a Day to health care delivery is going World AIDS, a movement that has raised over $4 million to help those affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa. to be very helpful in terms of “I became a physician so I could devote myself to helping individuals and their families to have health and understanding that part of meaningful lives. Now, I have become engaged in politics with the goal of helping to build a healthier society.” the health care system. CFNU President Linda Silas met Minister Philpott at a welcome reception for the opening of the House on - Dr. Jane Philpott Interview with Macleans December 3, 2015. Read more about Dr. Philpott here. ”
Photo source: Citizenship & Immigration Canada Photo source: Minister Philpott Official Twitter Account PAGE SIX
On Philpott’s Plate
The key areas outlined in Prime Minister Trudeau’s Mandate Letter to Dr. Philpott include the new Health Accord, home care services, digital health technology, pharmacare, mental health services, vaccination strategies, food and tobacco labelling, marijuana legalization and regulation, Nutrition North expansion, and concussion awareness and treatment strategies.
Here is a list of six hot-button issues and election pledges made by the Liberal government that Minister Philpott will take on in the coming months:
1. Syrian Refugee Health Care 4. Safe Seniors Strategy
At the beginning of November Minister Philpott was The Liberals committed $3 billion in funding for home named chair of the cabinet ad hoc committee to care over the next four years and $20 billion in social co-ordinate government efforts to resettle over 25,000 infrastructure with a priority on investing in seniors’ Syrian refugees in Canada, with 10,000 arriving before the facilities, including long-term care. end of the year, and 15,000 more by the end of February 2016. More on Syrian refugee health care continued read on page 7. 5. Physician-Assisted Death
2. Renewal of Health Accord The Liberals face the issue of developing a federal legislative response to the 2015 Supreme Court decision in In the coming months Minister Philpott will work with the Carter v. Canada (Attorney General) regarding provinces to negotiate a new multi-year Health Accord and physician-assisted death (PAD). Parliament was given one determine a long-term strategy for federal health transfer year to work on the legislation. With the February 2016 funding. In an interview with the National Post Philpott deadline looming, the government will be looking to a joint acknowledged that “health care delivery” is in the domain parliamentary committee with members of the House of of provinces and territories, but added that it is the role Commons and the Senate to prepare expedited legislative of the federal government to show leadership and set the recommendations for the government. tone of health priorities for Canadians.
3. Pharmacare 6. Legalizing Marijuana
The Liberals have pledged to improve access and reduce Minister Philpott must also take on the Liberal pledge to the costs of prescription drugs. However, there was no legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults in actual plan laid out to create a national prescription Canada. In the coming months Philpott will establish a drug program. The Liberals continue to feel the pressure federal - provincial/territorial task force with public health, from health care stakeholders to implement a national substance abuse and public safety experts on this complex prescription drug plan. On November 17, an open letter issue. In a recent interview with CBC News, Minister to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau published in the Toronto Philpott said: “the world is going to be looking to Canada Star, signed by more than 300 health professionals and to make sure we do the job well.” academics, stated that pharmacare is the ‘unfinished business of the Canadian health care system.’ PAGE SEVEN Syrian Refugee Health Care Background
In 2011, the civil war in Syria led millions to flee their homes and over four million to become refugees, with many settling in neighbouring countries.
In early September, when images surfaced of three-year old Aylan Kurdi’s body washed ashore on the beaches of Turkey, it brought home the tragic realities of the Syrian war and refugee crisis. The Kurdi family’s devastating story of loss prompted long overdue outrage from people watching around the world, and pressure for world leaders to take action and offer refuge to Syrian refugees.
Liberal leader Justin Trudeau vowed that if he was voted Canada’s next prime minister he would bring over 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada by the end of the calendar year.
The Government of Canada’s Plan
In late November, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister John McCallum announced that the deadline had been pushed to ensure that things were done right for the health, safety and well-being of the refugees. The government’s priority for resettlement are those at Photo source: Citizenship & Immigration Canada greatest risk: Syrian families, vulnerable women, and the members of the LGBT community.
The government will continue efforts to resettle over In an interview with CTV News Health Minister Philpott 25,000 Syrian refugees in Canada, with 10,000 arriving has said refugees will be processed overseas, including before the end of the year, and 15,000 more by the end undergoing a full international medical exam that is required of February 2016. The government also announced plans for all immigrants and refugees coming to Canada as set by to expand the original resettlement promise to 35,000 the Citizenship and Immegration Canada (CIC). refugees, with the additional 10,000 persons arriving later next year. Once arriving in Canada they will undergo further screening for infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, though rates are expected to be low. A priority will be made to ensure Current Health Status that all refugees have access to basic medical health care that many have not received for years, including a focus on Over the last several weeks, refugee health concerns immunizations. have been raised by health care workers across Canada, and prep work is already underway to ensure the health, According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, since safety and protection of all refugees once they arrive on 2011, conflict has become the top cause of death, nearly Canadian soil. half of the country does not have access to clean water, and vaccination rates have dropped below 50 per cent. Over CFNU President Linda Silas participated in advisory 7.6 million Syrians have been displaced, increasing their committee meeting earlier this month to support and vulnerability to infectious disease outbreaks. discuss the health care concerns of Syrian refugees arriving in Canada. Other issues include refugees forced to endure unsanitary and overcrowded living conditions with limited access “Canada’s Nurses are committed to doing everything that to food, water, and little protection from environmental we can on the front lines to ensure that Syrian refugees of elements, all of which may result in negative health impacts. all ages and varying health backgrounds receive quality, The Public Health Agency of Canada has stressed that safe patient care once they arrive in our health care arrival of Syrian refugees does not pose a health risk to facilities,” said CFNU President Linda Silas. Canadians. PAGE EIGHT
Health concerns upon arrival
The Government of Canada and health care stakeholders To learn more about the Government of Canada’s plan to are focused on providing Syrian refugees with basic health welcome Syrian refugees, or for information on how you care such as immunizations, and treating chronic diseases can get involved, visit #WelcomeRefugees. and mental health issues due to years of displacement and prolonged exposure to conflict and trauma.
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